8.1 Trillion Won in National Funds Allocated for Swift Distribution of Consumption Coupons

Local Governments Struggle to Secure Local Funds
Ministry of the Interior and Safety Expedites National Fund Disbursement
Dedicated Call Centers Operated by Ministry of the Interior and Safety and Seoul City

On July 15, the government allocated 8.1 trillion won in national funds to local governments to enable the swift implementation of the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon program, for which applications will begin on July 21.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that it had distributed 8.1 trillion won out of the total 12.2 trillion won in national funds earmarked for the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon program to local governments on July 15.

This measure was taken in response to local governments' concerns about securing funding for the consumption coupon program. The project costs are shared, with 90% covered by national funds and 10% by local funds. In the case of Seoul, the local share is higher at 25%, reflecting the city's strong fiscal independence. Local governments, now facing the burden of covering several billion won in local funds, are struggling to secure resources through supplementary budgets and local bonds.

In response, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety expedited the disbursement of national funds and issued guidelines allowing the use of budgets before the supplementary budget is finalized. According to Article 45 of the Local Finance Act, expenditures designated for a specific purpose and fully funded by the state may be executed even before the supplementary budget is established.

Additionally, the ministry will open a dedicated call center for the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon program on July 18. This call center, along with the existing Gukmin Call 110, will provide tailored consultations on how to apply for, receive, and use the consumption coupons.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government also plans to operate a dedicated call center for each district starting July 21. Seoul residents can make inquiries about the consumption coupon program through the 120 Dasan Call Center as well as their respective district call centers.

For vulnerable individuals with mobility difficulties, the city will offer a "visiting application" service. Starting July 28, residents can request assistance by phone from their local community service center, and staff will visit in person to help with the application process. However, if there is another household member in the same residence, the application will be restricted. Since this service is operated flexibly according to the plans of each district and community service center, those wishing to use the service should inquire in advance with their local district office or community service center.

Meanwhile, the city plans to double the number of affiliated merchants for the "Seoul Sarang Gift Certificate" from 240,000 to 480,000 in order to improve convenience for users of consumption coupons issued as local gift certificates.